s 

451 
.§gA5 




Pass, S4AJL 



Book., r^ M, 5 




AGRICULTURAL SERIES N?5 



AGRICULTURAL SERIES N9 6 



UNIIED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION UNITED STATES RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION 



tfrapff 



SOUTH DAKOTA 



rV 



FOREWORD 






Pierre, South Dakota 
Any achievement of a state is the fruitage of the 
labors, sacrifices and activities of her people, to 
whom she has given sympathetic and intelligent aid, 
and those of us who have lived in South Dakota 
the past few years have witnessed remarkable results 
following upon a state's entire cooperation with her 
citizens in their aims, needs and aspirations. 

The object of the present state government is to 
efficiently co-operate with our people in working out 
their problems, to assist them in their struggle toward 
success, to give them aid and protection, and to 
elevate and advance them along all lines. Already 
the trail has been blazed in this direction by much 
beneficial legislation. 

Standing prominently among the many con- 
structive laws that have been enacted, causing the 
agencies of government to operate directly for the 
general and individual good, are our state rural 
credits system, the guaranty of bank deposits, "blue 
sky" protection, workmen's compensation, highway 
construction, and others. Further, the legislature 
in its last session effected the soldiers' land settle- 
ment act, the hail insurance law, a provision for 
state handling of coal and cement products, gave 
definite aid to rural schools, created a child welfare 
commission, and in various other measures con- 
cretely evidenced the interest which South Dakota 
has in her whole people. 

Equal freedom and opportunity we have for all. 
Our prairies are broad and invite home-makers; our 
cities are making gigantic strides; industry is 
thriving; rural community life is improving; roads 
are being bettered and new highways formed. 
Development possibilities are numerous and varied; 
our people are hospitable, cultured and patriotic; 
continued endeavors will be made to carry on the 
work of government with efficiency and intelligence, 
— with a spirit of service, a devotion to duty — and, 
altogether, no state in the Union can offer a brighter 
opportunity or more decisive encouragement to the 
prospective homeseeker than does South Dakota. 



Brookings, South Dakota 
The accompanying sketch is an attempt to set 
forth in an honest and uncolored manner, a state- 
ment of the opportunities that South Dakota offers 
to possible homeseekers. As one reads this booklet, 
he cannot help being impressed by the great natural 
resources of the state — by the vast food-producing 
power of her farm lands and her enormous store- 
house of minerals. That she does indeed offer 
advantages to the industrious is evident from the 
fact that she has the greatest average production 
per capita of any state in the Union. South Dakota 
has no paupers and her people are practically all in 
comfortable circumstances. 

But the glory of South Dakota is not alone in her 
material wealth. The scenic beauty of her Black 
Hills is in some respects unsurpassed. Her early 
history abounds in romance woven about the pioneer 
and the red man. Her people have made notable 
contributions to science, literature and art. In 
legislation she has always been progressive, but sane, 
and has enacted laws for helping the laboring man. 
Here, all are workers — there are no drones — and 
the broad prairies with their almost unobstructed 
view have bred into the people high ideals, unwaver- 
ing loyalty and a God-fearing spirit. 

This publication has been prepared under the 
direction of the Agricultural Staff of the South 
Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic 
Arts, Brookings, South Dakota, State Commissioner 
of Immigration, Pierre, South Dakota, and Agricul- 
tural Representative of the United States Railroad 
Administration. Those interested in available lands 
should write for information. The State College 
stands ready at all times to help the farmers of the 
state in connection with any of their agricultural 
problems. 



/n^c/c 






r 



Governor 



Dean and Acting President, 

College of Agriculture 



GOOD LAND IS STILL CHEAP 




The diversified farm is rapidly replacing the all grain farm 



South Dakota 



Some of the best indications of opportunity for 
newcomers in South Dakota are the following facts: 

(1) Her residents have gained prosperity from 
intelligent use of the state's resources. The sum of 
$392.57 for every man, woman and child was depos- 
ited in the state banks alone on March 4, 1918. 
South Dakota farmers each averaged last year 1,735 
bushels of corn, 1,000 bushels of oats, 1,205 bushels 
of wheat, and had a total sale of about $150,000- 
000 worth of livestock, thereby maintaining a record 
of producing more new wealth per capita than any 
other state. The last assessment of property in the 
state was $1,441,181,835, which amount if equally 
divided among the population would make $2,401.96 
for each man, woman and child, or $12,009.80 for 



the average family of five through the state. And 
this is property actually assessed for taxation. 

(2) There are millions of acres of undeveloped 
land awaiting the settler in the state, which will 
produce crops equal to those which have made the 
1918 record, where the nutritious native grasses 
grow in abundance, offering opportunities for the 
cheap production of beef and dairy products, and 
where thousands of people who started with very 
small means are becoming independent. 

(3) South Dakota lawmakers have had the fore- 
sight to help farmers get started on the road to 
prosperity. For instance, her Rural Credit system 
enables the farmer to borrow cheap money from the 
state for the purchase of land, or for the making of 



WEALTHY FARMERS STARTED WITH SMALL 




1 1 I'M 8 South Dakota produced 84.240,000 bushels of oats 

improvements, buying livestock and other purposes 
at a low rate of interest for a term of years. 

This booklet will develop the foregoing ideas and 
show that a real welcome is extended to every pro- 
spective resident, a welcome that says more than 
"Come"; in fact, a welcome that says, "Come and 
we shall help you." 



DIVERSIFIED FARMING^SUCCESSFUL 

Soils. The soils of South Dakota may be divided 
into two great provinces, namely, one east and the 
other west of the Missouri river. In the region 
east of the Missouri river, the soils are largely of 
glacial and loessial origin, although there are con- 
siderable areas which lie in basins formerly occupied 
by glacial lakes. This area includes soils of several 
types, the chief of which are clay loam, silt loams, 
sandy loams and sands. They are well supplied 



this crop ranking second to corn in number of bushels 

with organic matter and by proper methods of 
farming the supply can readily be maintained. 

The soils west of the Missouri river are closely 
related to the underlying rocks from which they have 
been weathered and are classed as residual soils, 
although there are limited areas which occupy ter- 
races along streams where they have been deposited 
by running water. The types of soils vary from 
heavy clay to sand. The soils of this region in 
general contain a medium amount of organic matter 
and nitrogen as the rainfall is somewhat less here 
than in the eastern part of the state. However, 
legume crops grow well and it is entirely practicable 
to increase the amount of nitrogen in the soil by 
proper methods of farming. There are areas in the 
western part of the state which are being brought 
under irrigation and other areas will undoubtedly 
soon be supplied with water. It must be borne in 
mind that irrigation is desirable in only a small 
restricted area. 



CAPITAL AND ACQUIRED A COMPETENCY 



A CORN BELT STATE 

South Dakota produces more bushels of corn than 
wheat. Accordingly, it is no over-statement to 
point out that this rich farming area is a part of 
the corn belt. Every real feeder of livestock appre- 
ciates the fundamental importance of the corn crop 
as a basis for a livestock industry, whether it be 
cattle, hogs, sheep or poultry. Livestock depends 
upon crops. Corn production in South Dakota as 
an essential part of farming has, therefore, a place 
of strategic importance from several standpoints, in 
that corn is produced as a commodity for export 
outside of its own territory, and furthermore it can 
be utilized for livestock production within the state 
itself. 

FOURTH WHEAT STATE 

Hundreds of persons throughout the United States 
and the world have gained an impression that the 
great Northwest, of which South Dakota is a most 
substantial part, is made up largely of bonanza wheat 
farms. These persons have gained their impressions 
partly from what they learn from an older generation. 
It is true that South Dakota is a wheat state, rank- 
ing fourth in total production in 1918, being only 
exceeded by Minnesota, North Dakota and Kansas. 

Not only does the state rank well toward the top 
in total production of wheat, but it is a well known 
fact in the central markets that South Dakota 
wheat grades higher as an average than other wheat 
coming in from the great spring-wheat granary of 
the Northwest. It is notably true in such central 
markets as that of the Twin Cities (St. Paul-Minne- 
apolis) that the percentages of so-called "wild pea" 
in South Dakota wheat are low. Moreover in 
bread-making quality, its wheat ranks absolutely 
first, along with that from other limited portions of 
the earth known as the hard wheat areas. 

The section of country whose people occupy a 
position of importance in the production of the 
world's leading cereal is pivotal. South Dakota is 
that state. See the following table of cereal pro- 
duction for several states for 1918: 




A good silo is a valuable asset to any farm and the increasing 
number of silos in South Dakota is an evidence of prosperity 



SOUTH DAKOTA STANDS EIGHTH 




Substantial binlHlni;s are an evidence of good crops and efficient management 



CEREAL PRODUCTION IN 1918 BY STATES 



PER CAPITA PRODUCTION 



Iowa 

Illinois 

Minnesota , . 
South Dakoti 
North Dakot; 
Kansas 

South Carolii 



Corn 


Wheat 


Oats 


Rye 


Barley 


375,624 


19,650 


229,572 


1,026 


11,340 


351,450 


60.991 


198,352 


3,800 


9,000 


110,000 


79,710 


134,562 


8,700 


43,400 


108,188 


71,305 


84,240 


10,350 


41,300 


9,196 


101,010 


60,512 


20.422 


37,281 


43,523 


102.008 


51,238 


2.431 


6,040 


68,850 


3,631 


12,000 


176 




38,250 


2,255 


11,000 


202 





637.212 
623.593 
376.372 
315.383 
228,421 
205.240 
84,657 
51,707 



Multiply figures by 1,000. 



The table above serves to make clear the fact 
that this state ranks well toward the top among a 
number that are usually mentioned as leading cereal 
producers. The comparative figures of total pro- 
duction in bushels may be observed from the last 
column. The following table shows further South 
Dakota's standing in per capita production: 





Population 
in 1918 


Total Bushels 

of Cereals 

in 1918 


Bushels per 
Capita 




735,434 
791.437 
2,224,771 
2,345,287 
1,874,195 
6,317,734 
1,660,934 
2,935,617 


315,383,000 
228,421,000 
637,212,000 
376,372,000 
205,240,000 
623,593,000 
51,707,000 
84,657,000 


428.8 






Iowa 


286.4 


Kansas 


109.5 




98.7 




31.1 




28.8 







It will be noted that South Dakota plays a leading 
part in the world's per capita production of bread 
and meat crops. For one thing it means that the 
state and its average citizen contribute abundantly 
to the world's support in war and in peace. It 
means that this average South Dakota citizen is 
vitally interested in the world, arid that the rest of 
the world is interested in South Dakota. It means 
that the basic importance of South Dakota in world 
affairs looms large. The opportunity for constructive 
citizenship is unsurpassed, for the most constructive 
citizen is the one that feeds the world. 



INTHE PRODUCTION OF CORN 




Corn is the important crop in South Dakota. Large fields produce about the same acre yield as the older corn belt states 

(J RAGE CROPS 



More of the evidence of productiveness in this 
excellent state may be added as contributory. In ad- 
dition to helping supply the world's bread in the form 
of cereals, the state every year tucks away over 1,000 
square miles of hay in bales and beef — an increasing 
proportion is alfalfa. Much of it is common clover 
or sweet clover, the rest is native hay. 



NATIVE PASTURE LAND 
For it must not be forgotten that there are more 
than 25,000 square miles of rich native pasture that, 
properly handled, form an almost permanent resource. 
These pastures, partly east of the Missouri river and 
mainly west of the Missouri, are a deciding factor in 
the arrangement of the farming systems. The past- 
ures and the native and cultivated grasses that grow 
thereon are destined always to contribute a vast share 
to the livestock wealth of the state and nation. It 



is evident that South Dakota is peculiarly fortunate 
in having pasture lands situated virtually in the 
Corn Belt. 

POTATOES 
In speaking of the soil and crop opportunities of 
South Dakota, one is not confined to cereals and 
alfalfa. As an example of crops of newer but rapidly 
increasing importance, the state produces within a 
bushel of as many potatoes per acre as Maine, and 
the quality of South Dakota potatoes is excellent. 

FRUIT CULTURE AND GARDENING 

The early settlers found the land so fertile and 
abundant that they had little or no time for garden- 
ing and fruit culturfe. They were more interested in 
their cattle, horse and sheep ranches and in large grain 
farms. The limited tree planting done was only for 
home use. As population increased and the land 
grew more valuable and the farms smaller, more 



A STATE RURAL CREDIT SYSTEM 




In 1918 South Dakota produced IU».I«^,UUU bushels ol 



work was done in horticulture, especially in the 
southeast and northeast part of the state and in the 
sheltered valleys of the Black Hills region. There 
was much loss in these earlier plantings as most of 
the varieties were from states far south and east 
and not adapted to prairie conditions. The progress 
of this work is noted in the annual reports of the 
State Horticultural society. 



HARDY FRUITS 

South Dakota has discovered or invented what are 
considered sufficiently hardy varieties of fruits for 
general planting in each part. In addition, the ex- 
tensive fruit-breeding experiments at the State Col- 
lege of Agriculture for more than 20 years have 
resulted in developing many varieties of apples and 
crab apples, plums, sand cherry hybrids, raspberries, 



gooseberries and strawberries which have proven 
hardy and productive. 

Market Gardening is beginning to receive more 
attention, and most of the immense amount of garden 
truck now shipped in from other sections could easily 
be raised here. There is an excellent field open for 
smaller truck farms near the cities and towns. Peo- 
ple are learning that gardens, bees and poultry go 
well together. Much more could be done at present 
in supplying the demand for tomato and cabbage 
plants in the spring. The canning industry will no 
doubt see great extension in the near future. Sweet 
corn is canned extensively at Big Stone City, in the 
northeast corner of the state, the 1915 pack being 
about 41,000 cases, the farmers receiving about $32,- 
500 for the corn. Potatoes raised in the state usually 
command a premium in the eastern markets, owing 
to high quality. While potatoes are more a farm crop, 
the gardeners also find them profitable. 



LOANS CHEAP MONEY TO THE FARMER 




Sugar beets are a profitable crop in the western part of the state 



LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY 

One of the leading industries in South Dakota is 
that of producing livestock. It is not confined to 
any particular locality or section but is engaged in 
throughout the state generally. The livestock may 
be divided into two classes, those produced where 
mixed farming is practical, and second, those coming 
from the range. Of these two probably the largest 
profit is derived from the first mentioned class be- 
cause of the improved quality of the animals thus 
produced. It is estimated that about half the animals 
on the range are raised there and the other half are 
shipped in during spring for summer grazing; but 
the proportion of home grown stock is increasing 
rapidly on account of the gradual change that is being 
made from the extensive to the intensive system of 
farming. 



This state is admirably located for the production 
of livestock. There is sufficient rainfall in most 
sections to produce a luxuriant growth of very nutri- 
tious grasses which ripen and cure while standing. 
This supplies an excellent feed for stock in the winter. 
Since the introduction of hardy varieties of alfalfa 
in the western section more attention is given to 
the production of pork than formerly. It is found 
that with the addition of some small grain pork can 
be produced economically. There are good market 
centers for South Dakota stock and, while now it is 
being shipped to other states, time will come when 
she will have her own markets. 

The livestock exhibit at the state and county 
fairs is one of the principal attractions. The breeder 
makes known to his fellow breeder the quality of 
his animals. He exchanges breeding stock. Nearly 
every county east of the Missouri river has a pure- 
bred livestock association. The state association 
meets once a year at Mitchell. The object of these 



CORN IS KING IN SOUTH DAKOTA 




Turning under corn stubble in a modern way. Note the rich black soil for which South Dakota is famous 

associations is the improvement of livestock. This 



is accomplished by bringing together representatives 
of the flocks and herds and selling at public auction. 
By doing so, acquaintances are made, types are 
compared and the small or new breeder becomes 
known among his fellow breeders. This state ranks 
among the first in breeders' associations and encour- 
aging the production of good stock. The livestock 
industry is still in its infancy, but the future is 
bright and shortly it will rank with the best in the 
production of livestock. 

The estimates on livestock released by the Bureau 
of Crop Estimates show a considerable increase in 
the value of meat animals on the farms. A study of 
these movements to terminal markets indicate that 
more than 600,000 cattle were shipped out of the 
state during 1918 for slaughter. This is almost 200,- 
000 more than during 1917. 

About 1,700,000 hogs went from the state during 
1918 to the large packing centers, an increase of 



about 200,000 over the previous year. One feature 
worthy of notice is that the average weight was 
about 25 pounds heavier than the year before. 

There is a slight increase in the number of cows 
and also of other cattle. Sheep increased about 
60,000, the total at the end of the year being 810,000. 
Swine also increased, the number on hand January 
1, 1919, being 1,654,000. 

POULTRY RAISING 



According to the Bureau of Markets, South Dakota 
poultry in 1917 was worth $15,600,000. A recent 
survey by the United States Department of Agri- 
culture credits the state with a 20 per cent increase 
in 1918, making the value of poultry something more 
than $18,000,000. The State College of Agriculture 
is conducting an educational campaign to increase 
the egg yield per hen to 120 eggs, which will add 



10 



BEEF AND DAIRY CATTLE THRIVE 




$3,000,000 to the annual income. Eggs are produced 
in South Dakota at a profit. State aid is granted to 
the many county and district poultry shows to stim- 
ulate the industry. 

ANIMAL HEALTH SERVICE 

The Animal Health laboratory established at the 
State College issues a series of free animal health 
bulletins dealing with the cause, methods of spread 
and methods of controlling various contagious and 
infectious diseases. These bulletins are free to all 
residents. Another service of the Animal Health 
laboratory is the free examination of blood and tissues 
from animals that died under circumstances that 
suggest the probability of the presence of a con- 
tagious disease. From 400 to 500 specimens are 
examined annually. This service makes the adoption 
of prompt preventive measures possible in those 
cases where the symptoms and post mortem evi- 
dences are inconclusive or misleading. 



The use of practically all the serums and vaccines 
that are of demonstrated efficiency is becoming 
widespread in all parts of the state. Accredited 
tuberculin tested herds are being established with 
the co-operation of the United States Bureau of 
Animal Industry, the State Livestock Sanitary 
Board and the individual cattle owners. 

Insect and Rodent Control. The State College 
maintains a department of entomology which inves- 
tigates important insect troubles with a view of 
controlling them. The offices of state entomologist 
and nursery inspector is also located there. One 
of the principal duties of the state entomologist is 
to aid the farmer, gardener, orchardist, dairyman, 
stockman and nurseryman to avoid or reduce the 
losses caused by insects, rodents and birds. This 
is brought about through correspondence, bulletins, 
circulars or by personal visits of a specialist. The 
office of nursery inspector is maintained in order 



A RICH SOIL SUITED TO 




Ample facilities for storing grain crops are provided throughout the state 



that the people may be reasonably certain that when 
they buy nursery stock, it is true to name, of good 
quality and free from dangerous insect and plant 
diseases. 

DAIRY FARMING 

A productive soil adapted to the raising of forage 
crops, especially leguminous roughages, a climate 
that escapes the extreme heat of summer, land 
adapted to grazing, and railroad facilities which make 
easy the problems of marketing, are some of the fac- 
tors that make the state well adapted to dairy farming. 

The most economical production of dairy products 
can only be obtained in those localities where it is 
possible to raise all the roughages and a large part of 
the concentrated feed required by the dairy cow. 
Pasture has long been recognized as one of the best 
feeds, and a perfectly balanced ration. Practically 
every section is well supplied with prairie grass. 
Silage made from corn and some legumes supply a 



succulent feed during the winter months. These 
crops growing on a soil that has never been taxed 
to the limit yield the largest tonnage per acre. 
Enough silage may be grown on 30 acres to provide 
succulent feed for 60 dairy cattle the year around. 
The average yield for nine years has been twelve 
tons an acre with a maximum yield of seventeen tons. 

Of all the leguminous crops raised for dairy cattle 
alfalfa is generally considered the most desirable, 
because it will grow for several years. From the 
extreme eastern part of the state to the irrigated 
regions in the west, alfalfa of the finest quality is 
grown. Even in those sections where the silo has 
not come into common use, good dairy cows will 
produce economically on alfalfa alone. 

But these roughages alone are not the only feeds 
the dairy cow consumes. Oats, wheat, barley, flax 
and their by-products are raised in very large quan- 
tities. The fact that South Dakota in the past has 
produced so much more of the small grain crops 



LIVESTOCK AND GRAIN FARMING 




Potatoes are an important farm product and the quality is excellent 



than has been consumed within her borders gives 
evidence of the vast amount of by-products produced 
in milling that can be most economically used by 
the dairy cow. All of these by-products can be pur- 
chased at a much lower cost than in eastern markets, 
as the large expenses for long shipments is done 
away with. So for the reason that she can utilize 
feeds that can be produced as cheaply as in any 
other state, the dairy cow has the best possible 
opportunity here to produce economically. 

Climate is a factor in getting the largest and most 
economic production. If the weather is too hot, it 
is impossible to give the cow comfort, while if it is 
cold she can be comfortably housed. Over seven 
years ago a South Dakota Holstein cow, College 
Belle Wayne, produced 126 pounds of milk in one 
day, and 145.6 pounds of butter in thirty days. 
This was the largest production ever made by 
any cow at that time. Two years ago, Hester 
Aaltje Korndyke, in a section that is under 



irrigation, made a world's record by producing 46 
pounds of butter in seven days. She still holds the 
world's record for production for 120 days. Other 
cows have made large records, showing that this is 
one of the best sections of the country on account 
of climatic conditions, for making large records. 

The destruction of such large numbers, over thirty 
millions, of cattle in European countries and the 
recent purchase of some dairy cattle in this country 
by the French government make us believe that for 
the next few years the breeder of dairy cattle will 
reap a profit in supplying a foreign trade. The 
demand for purebred cattle has been increasing very 
rapidly in the northwestern states. The western 
farmer can command large prices for average pure- 
bred animals because he has a large field for selling. 
Combining with this the low cost of raising, it is easy 
to see where the greatest profits can be made. 

Let us look at the opportunities for marketing 
the products. Milk in the large cities of the state 



AN AVERAGE WEALTH PRODUCED IN 1918, FOR 




Alfalfa does well in all parts of the state 



has been selling at a higher price for the past few 
years. During the last year, the 78 creameries in 
the state churned more than 35,000,000 pounds of 
butter. These creameries are located in all sections, 
so that no farmer has to haul or ship any great dis- 
tance. The main lines of railroads afford excellent 
service to St. Paul, Minneapolis and Chicago, where 
it finds a ready market. 

VALUE OF DAIRY BUSINESS IN 1918 

Summary from reports of State Dairy Expert for 
fiscal year ending June 30, 1918: 

Creamery butter $12,102,000 

Estimated ice cream 1 ,050,000 

Estimated dairy butter ,. 2,684,000 

Estimated milk and cream used in households 4,720,000 

Estimated skim milk and buttermilk 4,189,600 

Total $24,753,600 

CROP RECORD FOR 1918 

The farmers have received more than the prices 



in this estimate for much of their product when it 
was sold. 

CROP SUMMARY, 1918 



Bushels and 
Tons 



Corn 108,188,000 $119,007,000 

Wheat 71,305,000 141,896,000 

Oats 84,240,000 49,702,000 

Barley 41,300,000 32,214,000 

Rye 10,350,000 14,594,000 

Flax 1,368,000 4,446,000 

Potatoes 8,190,000 7,617,000 

Wild Hay 3,282,000 40,040,000 

Tame Hay 1,235,000 12,350,000 

Vegetables, fruit, honey, etc 6,500,000 

Dairy Products (State report) 24,753,600 

Poultry products (State report) 18,000,000 

Livestock products (based on assessment) .... 150,000,000 

Total $621,119,600 

Average wealth produced, counting every man, woman 

and child, for 1918 $844.56 



EVERY MAN> WOMAN AND CHILD, Or ;},a44.56 




Dairying is an important industry 
who engages in it 

HE LAY OF THE LAND 

South Dakota is mostly a rolling prairie, well 
watered by the Missouri, James, Sioux, White, Bad, 
Cheyenne, Moreau and Grand rivers and their 
numerous tributaries. Along these streams the land 
is slightly more rolling, while between are large 
stretches of table lands and in some sections there 
are nothing but farms and groves to obstruct the 
view as far as the eye can see. 

The Black Hills in the extreme western part is 
a mountainous country. Among the hills are large 
fertile valleys watered by mountain streams which 
provide water for numerous private irrigation plants. 
Alfalfa and fruit growing is the principal industry 
of people in these valleys. Some of the largest 
commercial orchards in the middle west are located 
in the valleys in the Black Hills. 

Southeastern South Dakota, watered by the 
lower Missouri, James and Sioux rivers, is the prin- 



and insures a steadv income I he farmer 
is sure to be successful 

cipal corn and mixed farming section. This is one 
of the richest agricultural sections of the middle 
west and land is getting comparatively high, but 
much lower in price than similar land in older states. 
Wheat and Grain Section. The upper valleys 
of these rivers, or the northeastern part, is the prin- 
cipal wheat and small grain section. While a large 
amount of corn is raised and stock raising is as im- 
portant as any other line, this section produces a 
large per cent of the immense wheat yield of the 
state. This is the section of large stretches of level 
prairie with waving grain fields and prosperous farm 
homes. Land is somewhat cheaper than in the 
southeastern part, but values are rapidly advancing. 

Alfalfa Land. Between the Missouri river and 
the Black Hills is a rolling prairie land where are 
found several small streams, between which are large 
plateaus or table land. This section is the old home 
of the buffalo and free cattle range of days now past. 



THESE PICTURES TELL THE STORY 




Ideal conditions for the production of alfalfa are Increasing the acreage of this important and valuable crop 




llcv .-. of the Black Hills district 

IG 



OF PROSPERITY IN SOUTH DAKOTA 




The level lying lands permit the raising of wheat and corn m large field: 




The silo makes an additional profit, and a large per cent of the better farms have the 

17 




^fe^^^i^^ ..LlJllIl.T]Jif:'^ ^ 



MAP OF 

SOUTH DAK 



CLIMATE, SUNSHINE AND RICH GRASS PUT 




Richard Fdul 



Suuth Dakota farm, 1919 



houth Dakota is well adapted to the production of pure- 
bred livestock, and breeders' associations are 
constantly raising the quality 




Threshing a part of the state's wheat 
20 



FRAME AND FINISH ON LIVESTOCK 




In the Black Hills district lumbering is an important industry 




A characteristic scene in the range section of western South Dakota 
21 



AS A CORN AND ALFALFA STATE 




South Dakota pre 





r:-fc- 




1 




g^S^\^ ^2 ^^^^1 


HB 


^^^BEi*^ -'■■t "^ 


n^' ^^1 



South Dakota produces summer apples for the market 



jshels of com than wheat 

Dairying, stock raising and the growing of alfalfa, 
com, cane, fodder crops are the lines of endeavor 
which are developing this section. While alfalfa 
does well in all parts of the state, the western part 
is especially adapted to the growing of this crop for 
seed which is increasing the production of alfalfa all 
over the United States. The hardiness of western 
South Dakota alfalfa seed is well recognized and it 
brings a premium on the market. 

Irrigation. Along some of the streams in the 
western part private irrigation plants have been 
established, especially to aid in the alfalfa produc- 
tion. By irrigation one or two extra crops of hay 
can be harvested. In the Belle Fourche valley in 
the northwest is located the govcnment Belle 
Fou!-che irrigation project, where the largest dirt 
dam in the world stores an abundance of water 
for 100,000 acres of rich land. All kinds of grain 
are grown under this project, but probably the most 
profitable products are alfalfa and sugar beets. The 



SOUTH DAKOTA PRODUCES HOGS CHEAPLY 




Corn and hogs mean Urge b.mk accounts for the farmer 



farmers here also raise large numbers of hogs, pastur- 
ing them on alfalfa during the summer. They also 
make a business of feeding sheep in winter. Corn 
is a successful crop here. 



AREA, CI IMATF AND RAINFAII 

The Area of the state is about 77,000 square 
miles, as large as several of the New England states, 
and two-fifths larger than Iowa, with 55,000 square 
miles. The population is estimated at 735,000, 
mostly engaged in agriculture. 

The Climate is mild and invigorating, neither 
exceedingly hot in summer nor very cold in winter. 
The normal mean temperature is 45 degrees, and 
January, the coldest month, averages 16 degrees 
above zero. Records of the United States Weather 
Bureau at Pierre, the center of the state, compiled 
for 28 years, show the average date of the last killing 



frost in the spring is May 1, and the average date 
for the first killing frost in the fall is October 6. 

The Rainfall varies from more than 25 inches 
in the southeastern part to less than 20 inches in 
the western part, with an average of 22.3 inches. 
More than 17 inches of this comes during the five 
growing months. 

NATURAL RESOURCES 
The state is a treasure house of natural resources. 
The first in importance is the rich soil suited to the 
support of a population several times as large as now. 
The Black Hills, called by a great American, "the 
richest one hundred miles square on earth," yields 
182 minerals, which have been classified, and there 
are likely others. Here are found great deposits 
of gold, silver, mica, tungsten, lead, wolframite and 
tin. The Homestake gold mine of the northern hills 
is the largest producer in the world and there are 
many smaller mines. 



23 



THE SURFACE SOIL PACKS INTO GOOD 




Fuel. The western part has sufficient Hgnite coal 
deposit to supply all fuel needed in the state for a 
century. Residents of that section mine their own 
coal as it lies near the surface. It has not been 
shipped for large commercial use, but it is antici- 
pated that this will be effected in the near future. At 
the recent election the voters authorized the develop- 
ment of the coal fields by state aid, thus promising 
a cheap fuel. 

Artesian Water is secured in many sections at 
a depth of from 200 to 1,000 feet, and through 
the central section this water brings up a natural 
gas, utilized by cities and farms for heating and 
lighting. The Black Hills are covered with a growth 
of pine comprising a valuable resource for lumber. 
The state has a timber reserve of 80,000 acres, a 
part of which is also fenced for a game preserve and 
stocked with buffalo, elk and deer. A forester is in 
charge as the state sells a large amount of timber 



each year and practices reforestration, thus conserv- 
ing this great resource. The United States also has 
a timber reserve in the Hills with several lumber 
mills in operation. Timber is found along the 
streams, especially on the Missouri, James and 
Sioux rivers. 

Hunting and Fishing. There are numerous 
small lakes in the northeastern part, where ducks 
abound as they find breeding places along the 
streams, lakes and ponds. Grouse and the prairie 
hens are found on the prairies, while the Black Hills 
afford splendid deer hunting, with an open season of 
30 days. Three fish hatcheries are maintained and 
excellent fishing is found in all the suitable waters. 

AN ABUNDANCE OF RICH UNDEVELOPED 
LAND 

The rich virgin soil where the vegetable mold of 
centuries awaits the farmer offers a wonderful oppor- 
tunity for purchase. The state contains millions of 



24 



GRADED ROADS ALWAYS PASSABLE 




South Dakota leads all states in the production of wild hay 



acres undeveloped in the central, northern and 
western portions. The recent months have seen 
more land sales than for the past decade. New 
farmers are developing these lands with their natural 
fertility and giving them wonderfully increased 
values. Land prices are rising rapidly, thus invest- 
ment today will be greatly enhanced with each year. 
The government has no free land to offer its people 
in the state and the opportunity for men of limited 
means is in the purchase of this new land. Cheap 
land will soon also be a matter of history and if 
present opportunities are neglected the next gen- 
eration will be condemned to labor for others for 
wages or as tenants. The undeveloped land is prairie 
ready for the plow and requires no reclamation. 
This is the reason that it offers the best opportunity 
remaining for the prospective settler. Those who 
desire improved lands may secure them, producing 
the same acre yield of the same crops as land far- 
ther east, priced two or three times as high. 



Settlement came to South Dakota in the south- 
eastern section in the early '80's and that part of the 
state is now well developed. It progressed gradually 
through to the western section with much of the 
west half still only sparsely settled. The best devel- 
oped and least improved sections are showing a 
rising value of lands and it is clear that this is the 
land of present opportunity. 

The Price of Land varies from $10 an acre 
for some of the land in the western section to more 
than $200 an acre in the best developed southeastern 
section. In the northeastern part good land can be 
purchased for $50 to $100 an acre and in the central 
section east of the Missouri river, land averages 
from $20 to $50 an acre. Just west of the Missouri 
river good, level, unimproved farm land sells for 
$15 to $25 an acre, with improved land somewhat 
higher. The exception to this is the former Rosebud 
Reservation land lying west of the river in the 
southern section. This section is better developed 



COMFORTABLE LIVING CONDITIONS ARE 




Comfortable farm fiomes are found in all parts of the state 



and land values run from $50 to $100 an acre. 
Some of the land in the western part located con- 
siderable distance from railroads sells for approxi- 
mately $10 an acre. The valley land in the Black 
Hills is some of the highest priced in the state — 
some having sold for more than $300 an acre. 

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION 

South Dakota lawmakers have adopted progres- 
sive ideas in keeping abreast of the times in modern 
agricultural operations. One of the early acts was 
the founding of an agricultural college and experi- 
ment station at Brookings. Four sub-stations for 
experimental work were placed at various points in 
the state. No sooner had these been well established 
when the farmers asked their agricultural college to 
conduct farmers' institutes, short courses and farm 
tours, resulting in the organization of the Agricul. 
tural Extension Division of the State College. Since 



its organization in 1912, greater demands have been 
placed upon the division from year to year until 
now almost every agricultural county in the state 
has a local agricultural extension agency known as 
the Farm Bureau. 

The County Farm Bureau is an organization 
for the development of a county program of work 
in agriculture and home economics, and for co-oper- 
ating with state and government agencies in the 
development of profitable farm management and 
efficient and wholesome home and community life. 
There are 56 county farm bureaus in the state. All 
have a local program of work and 45 of these are at 
present employing county agricultural agents to 
assist in developing their program. In nine of these 
45 counties the program is so thoroughly worked 
out by the local farmers and their wives that the 
bureau is also employing either a county home 
demonstration agent or a county club leader. 



FOUND IN ALL WELL-SETTLED SECTIONS 




Wheat is second in importance with a yield of 71.305.000 bushels in 1918 



During the recent war period the farm bureaus 
performed a service of inestimable value to the nation 
and its allies in organizing communities for greater 
food production and conservation. It is clearly 
recognized that the weather and labor conditions 
are two of the most important problems in profitable 
farming in any region. Over the former we have 
little or no control, but during 1918 the county farm 
bureaus placed a total of 17,403 farm laborers or an 
average of 362 per county. At the beginning of last 
year's crop season the biggest problem confronting 
increased crop production throughout the corn belt 
was the seed corn shortage. The problem in South 
Dakota was not so acute, but to relieve the situation 
the bureaus were instrumental in securing the testing 
of 78,083 bushels of seed corn and located and dis- 
tributed an additional 46,707 bushels of first class 
seed corn. This service meant that one acre out of 
every six that was planted to corn in the state was 
planted with seed that had been tested or secured 



through the efforts of the bureau. The grain cam- 
paign inaugurated by the bureau later in the year 
meant a saving of at least one-half million dollars 
to the farmers. 

Through the efforts of the bureaus 9,532 head of 
purebred livestock were obtained for the farmers and 
38 purebred livestock breeders' associations organ- 
ized. In all livestock sections throughout the United 
States there has always existed a need for local 
co-operative effort in the prevention of contagious 
diseases. This duty has been willingly assumed by 
the South Dakota county farm bureaus and they 
stand ready at all times to assist communities in the 
stamping out of these diseases should they occur. 

Home and Community Life Problems have 
also received the earnest thought and effort of the 
farm bureaus. During 1918, 18,857 boys and girls 
were organized for supervised club work, in either 
corn, liberty food, sewing, sheep or sow litter clubs. 



THE POULTRY AND DAIRY INDUSTRIES 




The farm flocks in the state produced about eighteen million dollars last year 



The bureaus held 800 meetings for farm women at 
which demonstrations were given featuring food 
preservation, wheat substitutes and sugar saving. 
Nearly 400,000 quarts of fruit and vegetables were 
canned as a result of these meetings. 

The state agricultural extension division is organ- 
ized to assist in the local development of farm, home 
and community problems. It assists the county 
farm bureaus in the development of their agricul- 
tural programs, assists communities in the organ- 
ization of farmers' clubs, livestock associations, insti- 
tutes and short courses, while through its corps of 
specialists it stands ready to render further assist- 
ance along special problems of farm and home prac- 
tice, particularly such problems as those pertaining 
to crop and livestock production, the prevention of 
contagious animal diseases, crop insect control, soil 
drainage, farm building construction, orchard plant- 
ing, management and farmstead planting. 



FARMERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATIONS 

The farrners here have not only been applying 
thought and effort to the production of crops and 
livestock, but have also been engaged in seeking the 
best possible outlet for their products through such 
co-operative enterprises as co-operative elevators, 
livestock shipping associations and co-operative 
creameries. Seventy-five livestock shipping asso- 
ciations organized among the farm bureaus, supple- 
mented by 25 county purebred breeders' associations, 
are assisting greatly in the production of better 
livestock. In 1918 there were 37 local farmers' 
co-operative creameries, 28 local individual cream- 
eries, 12 centralizing and stock creameries, and one 
centralizing farmers, co-operative creamery, the latter 
being the first creamery of its kind in the United 
States and for a time the only one of its kind in this 
country. The work of the state market department 
has already been considered in another section. 



28 



ARE IMPORTANT WEALTH PRODUCERS 




There are many good creameries in South Dakota and the number is rapidly increasing 



Other farmers' organizations are operating success- 
fully in various communities, in some cases as 
functions of the farm bureaus for the purpose of 
developing county programs in agriculture and 
home economics. 

THE IMMIGRATION COMMISSION 

The State Immigration Commission consists of the 
Governor, Secretary of State, and Commissioner of 
School and Public Lands. An executive, known as 
Commissioner of Immigration, is appointed by this 
commission, who has active charge of the work of the 
department. The object in creating the department 
was to advertise the resources of the state and to 
hasten the development of its unoccupied lands. 
This department is at all times ready to give reliable 
information on any part of the state. 

Money for the support of the department is appro- 
priated by the legislature and derived from general 



taxation. The department has nothing to sell and 
confines its advertising to plain statements of facts 
regarding opportunities, accomplishments and re- 
sources. Its purpose is as much to protect settlers 
from mistakes of location as to secure the settlers. 
It is the state's service for its prospective citizens. 

STATE AND COUNTY FAIRS 

The State Fair at Huron is supported by appro- 
priation to stimulate interest in producing better 
crops and livestock. The investment by appro- 
priations is $218,859.94 and including earnings a 
total of $327,184.00 is invested in permanent equip- 
ment. From the standpoint of attendance and man- 
agement the South Dakota State Fair ranks among 
the best in the United States. The annual machinery 
show and tractor demonstration attract farmers from 
three states. County fairs are successfully conducted 
in many counties, with special attention given to 
the members of boys' and girls' clubs. 



SOUTH DAKOTA IS VERY PROGRESSIVE 




Agricultural Hal! — One of the many buildings of the State College of Agriculture 



MARKETS 

The gradual development of South Dakota has 
brought a corresponding growth of its markets, and 
the great staples of agriculture produced which are 
needed in every good market follow the well estab- 
lished channels of trade in as satisfactory a manner 
as with any other state. For instance, butter may be 
marketed in Chicago from many districts of the state 
in carload lots at one cent a pound, giving a very 
great advantage for South Dakota when the prices 
of feeds are considered. The state has established a 
marketing department with a liberal appropriation 
which co-operates with the federal government and 
all other agencies in correcting marketing abuses 
and advancing the sale of farm products. The 
grain producing sections have ample elevator facil- 
ities, thus giving the farmers an assurance of a 
market. 



RURAL CREDITS 

South Dakota is one of the few states in the Union 
with a successful plan of rural credits in operation. 
By this system, which is simple, direct and prompt in 
its workings, farmers and prospective settlers can 
obtain cheap money from the state for the purpose 
of buying land, paying off indebtedness, erection of 
buildings and purchase of equipment. The law 
permits loans on first mortgages to farmers or 
prospective farmers up to 70 per cent of the appraised 
value of their lands, not to exceed the assessed valu- 
ation of the three preceding years and 40 per cent 
of the improvements with a maximum loan of 
$10,000 to any one person. Payments are made by 
the amortization plan and by this system the entire 
loan may be wiped out in thirty years' time on easy 
annual payments or any part may be paid any year. 
The state issues its bonds to get this money. 



IN BUSINESS AND LEGISLATION 




The state has sufficient lignite coal near the surface, to keep every home warm for a hundred years 



The system has met with astonishing success dur- 
ing the 16 months that it has been in operation. 
Farmers in practically every part of the state have 
availed themselves of its privileges and up to April 
1, 1919, loans to the amount of $10,500,000 have 
been closed or are awaiting approval. Applications 
are usually acted on in less than 30 days after being 
received. This legislation is not only a boon to the 
man of moderate means, but it has been most 
beneficial in promoting development. 

This plan requires no stock subscription, no joint 
liability and the borrower receives the full amount 
of his loan. His only expense is the recording and 
the abstract which he must supply. At present the 
borrower pays 5}^ per cent and it is not expected 
this will be increased for the "good faith and credit" 
of the state are pledged in securing the funds. In 
addition to the Rural Credit loans the state has 
over $13,000,000 of its school funds loaned at 5 
per cent. 



LAND SETTLEMENT AID 
The recent legislature appropriated $100,000 and 
authorized $1,000,000 in bonds for land settlement. 
With this fund land may be purchased, developed, 
stocked and sold to settlers without profit to the 
state. The purchaser will be required to pay only 
10 per cent of the land value and 20 per cent of the 
amount spent for improvements and long time may 
be given. It is expected desirable lands will be 
offered and such improvements made as the settler 
may desire. It was designed especially to open the 
door of opportunity to our soldiers and sailors, with 
the hope that in agricultural life they may reap 
quiet victories of value to the state and comforting 
to themselves. 

South Dakota has an excellent law for the organ- 
ization of co-operative business associations, a 
guarantee of bank deposits, and a "blue sky" law. 
The state has a department of markets and also a 



THE FIRST HOMESTEADERS STILL 




The flax crop often pays for the land the first year 



State highway department which is working in 
co-operation with the federal department in high- 
way construction. 

Legislation has also passed to establish state hail 
insurance, to take preliminary steps looking forward 
to the development by the state of the magnificent 
water power possibilities of the Missouri river, to 
develop the great lignite coal fields in the north- 
western part, and also to manufacture cement. 

Hail insurance under the new state law covers 
corn and grain crops, including alfalfa, at the rate 
of from 35 to 45 cents an acre for a loss up to $10 
an acre. The state has been divided into zones, the 
rates apply in accordance to the liability of loss. 
A half-rate option is available to the man who desires 
to pay only the half rate. 

SOIL SURVEY 

The state also appropriated funds to conduct a 
soil survey through the agricultural college. This 



project is designed to improve and maintain the 
already excellent soil fertility of the state. 

A bounty of $5 an acre was authorized for growing 
trees, up to 12 acres a year. 

GOOD COMMUNITIES IN WHICH 
TO LIVE 

South Dakota, being essentially an agricultural 
state, has no large cities, but the small cities and the 
towns are up-to-date, hustling business centers 
developed by the farm support, in which town and 
country alike have just pride. The country roads 
are good and the state is back of the movement to 
make these natural and for the most part level roads 
equal to any in the country. Churches representing 
all religious denominations are found in every city. 

The country and town schools are well graded and 
efficient teachers are provided. The common schools 



LIVE ON MOST OF THE FARiviJ) 




The prcduition of alfalfa seed is becoming 
an important industry 

were endowed with 2,775,560 acres of land. None 
of it can be sold at less than $10 an acre. Most of 
it is selling now at $50 and $100 an acre. The 
interest on money from school lands sold, together 
with the rental on the unsold, goes far toward the 
support of the common schools. Above these are 
the State University at Vermillion, the State Col- 
lege of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Brookings, 
the State School of Mines at Rapid City, and four 
state normal schools at Aberdeen, Madison, Spear- 
fish and Springfield. 

South Dakota has also a large number of colleges 
maintained by the various religious denominations, 
the most prominent being: Dakota Wesleyan 
University at Mitchell; Yankton College at Yank- 
ton; Huron College at Huron; Sioux Falls College 
at Sioux Falls; All Saints (for girls) at Sioux Falls, 
and Augustana College at Sioux Falls. 

Rural telephones and free mail delivery reach out 



The children go to and from the consolidated schools 
in free busses 

into nearly every farm community of the state. 
About 400 daily and country newspapers keep their 
readers in touch with both world and local news. 
There is no modern convenience of life known to 
rural communities of other states that are not com- 
mon to South Dakota farms. 

PUBLIC HIGHWAYS 

South Dakota being largely a prairie country with a 
black sandy loam surface soil, substantial dirt grades 
for highway purposes can be constructed with 
machinery at a comparatively small cost. The sur- 
face soil contains sufficient sand to make the dirt 
grade a splendid roadway for travel, except in the 
most extreme wet season. Hence the road problem 
is less a handicap here than in some of the other 
states. By the organic law every section line is a 
public highway. 

In 1912, a great impetus was given to highway 
construction by the projection of several trunk high- 



THE BLACK HILLS AND MANY LAKES 




1^ 







Ah. ilia aiiil liogs — They both work while 



ways running across the state, both east and west, 
north and south. These highways meet similar 
projects in adjoining states, thus connecting the 
principal towns and cities by roads well marked at 
all turns and highly improved. Some of these roads 
have more recently been covered with a gravel 
surface. Hence strangers have no difficulty in find- 
ing their way in any direction they may choose to 
travel. In Lawrence County a large amount of 
macadam road construction has been accomplished. 

Legislation recently passed authorized the state to 
engage in hard surface road construction on an 
extensive scale by a bond issue of $6,000,000 to be 
used with a like appropriation by Congress. 

TRANSPORTATION AND 
MARKET 

The state is favored by having many miles of rail- 
road within its borders, affording its people ample 
means of transportation for the great volume of 



products. The following railroads with their many 
branches traverse practically the entire state: 

Chicago, Milwaukee fit St. Paul, Chicago & North- 
western, Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis fit Omaha, 
Chicago, Burlington fis Quincy, Minneapolis fis 
St. Louis, Great Northern, Illinois Central, Chicago, 
Rock Island 8b Pacific, Minneapolis, St. Paul fis 
Sault Ste. Marie and Rapid City, Black Hills 
8b Western. The railroads are provided with 
ample facilities for taking care of products and 
transporting same to the many large markets, 
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Superior, Sioux City, 
Omaha and Chicago. Good service is rendered in 
transporting livestock to all the principal markets 
of the North and West, such as Sioux Falls, Sioux 
City, Omaha, St. Paul and Chicago. New packing 
houses are being constructed at Huron and Rapid 
City, both of which are within the state, and when 
completed will add very materially to the splendid 



AFFORD SPLENDID RECREATION GROUNDS 




The lakes of South Dakota are well stocked with fish and invite recreation 



markets now offered for stock. The farmer and the 
railroads are dependent upon each other, and the 
railroads operating in this state have well organized 
agricultural departments working in conjunction 
with the Agricultural College and the Commissioner 
of Immigration with a view of assisting the new 
settler in his agricultural problems. 



HOW TO SECURE RELIABLE 

INFORMATION 

Those desiring information in regard to South 
Dakota land should write to the Railroad Agricul- 
tural Supervisor, named on last page of this booklet, 
or State Immigration Department, Pierre, South 
Dakota, South Dakota State College of Agriculture 
at Brookings, or the county agent of any county in 
the state will give specific information relative to 
farm matters. 



Vacation Outings 

in the 

National Parks 

"The Nation's Playgrounds" 

Your National Parks are a vast region of peaks, 
canyons, glaciers, geysers, big trees, volcanoes, pre- 
historic ruins and other natural scenic wonders. 

VISIT THF.M THIS SUMMFR 
for fishing, mountain climbing and "roughing it." 

Ask for descriptive illustrated booklet of the 
National Park or National Monument you are 
specially interested in — here is the list: Crater Lake, 
Ore.; Glacier, Mont.; Grand Canyon, Ariz.; Hawaii; 
Hot Springs, Ark.; Mesa Verde, Colo.; Mt. Rainier, 
Wash.; Petrified Forest, Ariz.; Rocky Mountain, 
Colo.; Sequoia, Cal.; Yellowstone, Wyo. ; Yosemite, 
Cal., and Zion, Utah. 

Address 

Travel Bureau, U. S. Railroad Administration 

646 Transportation Bldg., Chicago, III., or 

143 Liberty St., New York Citv, or 

602 Healey Bldg., Atlanta, Ga. 



SOUTH DAKOTA INVITES THE AMBITIOUS 




ISSUED BY 

United States Railroad Administration 
AGRICULTURAL SECTION 

J. L. EDWARDS, Manager 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

FOR THE USE OF ALL RAILROADS 
IN THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA 

For Further Information, address 



POOLE BROS.. CHICAGO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



003 220 683 9 



